Five things we learned from the mayhem of NFL free agency
The new league year opened Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, and by then the NFL's own version of March Madness already had kicked into high gear.
Monday and Tuesday featured a flurry of reported free-agency moves, which became official Wednesday (along with trades, including that Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff swap and Carson Wentz going to the Colts).
A few other quarterbacks were on the move this week.
The Bears apparently pushed hard for Russell Wilson, but settled for Andy Dalton. And Mitchell Trubisky? The Bears let the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft leave for Buffalo, where he'll back up Josh Allen. Ryan Fitzpatrick will play for his ninth team in 17 NFL seasons.
The New England Patriots, usually not enthusiastic participants in free agency, were throwing money at any seemingly any player who would take it.
- NFL free agency: 5 things we learned this week
- Free agency tracker: Updates on all the moves
- Mike Jones: Starting-caliber QBs were hottest commodities in free agency
- Jarrett Bell: Pats spend big, show Bill Belichick's competitive juice is still hot
- History lesson: Best-ever free agent moves | Worst-ever
NFL investigating Deshaun Watson
The NFL has opened an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct that multiple women have leveled against Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson. "The matter is under review of the personal conduct policy," the NFL said in a statement released to Paste BN Sports.
5 NFL items to know
- The NFL reached an 11-year agreement with its TV partners. It's worth a lot of m 💰💰💰.
- The now-retired Drew Brees is going to transition to TV. He definitely wants to talk to former QB, current CBS analyst Tony Romo.
- The Black College Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday that it has established the HBCU Legacy Bowl – a postseason game for draft-eligible HBCU players.
- The NAACP sent a blistering letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell asking the league not to negotiate with Fox because of its opposition to player protests.
- Here is an inside look at how Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones finally agreed to a long-term deal.
2021 NFL draft: Mocks, rankings and more
- Latest mock draft: The suspense in this year's draft will start at the Jets' No. 2 overall pick. In this updated mock, they trade out of the spot so an NFC South team can get its quarterback of the future.
- The no-RB mock draft: How about a first round that doesn't include any running backs? Here's how that would play out.
- Georgia CB prospect runs blazing 40: Eric Stokes left no doubt about his elite speed at the Bulldogs' pro day this week.
- Pitt defensive lineman prospect is STRONG: Defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman put up an incredible 40 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press during his pro day workout.
- Prospect rankings by position: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G/C | EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S
NFL Facebook group: Join now!
Football season is here! And, if you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.